16 Day-Birding, Wildlife & Photography Safari- Kenya

Morning: Embark on a safari adventure with a delightful drive from Nairobi to the Ark Lodge in Aberdare National Park. Your journey will be guided by a warm and knowledgeable driver who will take you through the breathtaking landscapes from the airport or your hotel in Nairobi to Aberdare National Park in the north. Traverse the lush, green highlands of Kenya, renowned for its vibrant tea and coffee plantations.

Afternoon: On arrival, have lunch at the Base Hotel in Aberdares Country Club before proceeding to the lodge. Nestled in the heart of the Aberdare National Park, The Ark offers stunning views of a floodlit waterhole and salt lick, drawing a diverse array of wildlife. Modeled after and named after Noah’s Ark, The Ark features 3 decks with numerous balconies and lounges, providing an unparalleled vantage point for observing wildlife. To ensure you don’t miss a single animal sighting, the night guard will promptly notify your room when special animals visit the waterhole.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & drinking water.

Distance: 3h -4 h

Transportation: 4x4 Landcruiser Jeep

Enjoy a full day in Meru National Park with morning and afternoon game drives across its diverse landscapes of savannah and riverine forests. You will have the chance to spot elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, and a variety of birdlife. A picnic lunch will be arranged within the park, allowing you to fully experience its peaceful wilderness before returning to your lodge in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.

The park is known for its remote and less crowded environment, offering a more exclusive safari experience. You may also visit notable areas linked to the story of Elsa the lioness from Born Free. The day provides ample opportunities for photography and enjoying the natural beauty of this unspoiled wilderness.

Morning: After breakfast in Meru National Park, you will check out and begin your journey to Samburu National Reserve, a drive of approximately 3.5–4 hours through changing landscapes from lush greenery to the semi-arid north. You will arrive in time for lunch at your lodge or camp, followed by some time to relax.

Afternoon: In the afternoon, you will head out for a game drive in Samburu, known for its unique wildlife species such as the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and gerenuk, often referred to as the “Samburu Special Five.” You will also have the chance to spot elephants, lions, and a variety of birdlife along the Ewaso Nyiro River. After the game drive, you will return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.

Samburu National Reserve is a gem in Kenya’s northern region, known for its arid landscapes and rare wildlife. Today, you’ll explore this unique reserve on morning and afternoon game drives. The Ewaso Nyiro River, which flows through Samburu, attracts a variety of animals, including elephants, crocodiles, and over 450 bird species. The day’s activities allow plenty of time to relax at your lodge or camp, and the lack of crowds in Samburu means you’ll enjoy peaceful game viewing. It’s a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation in a truly wild setting.

Morning: After enjoying a relaxed breakfast, you'll drive south of Samburu to arrive at Serena Sweet Waters Camp in time for a delicious lunch. Afterward, take some time to explore the camp and its beautiful surroundings, including a waterhole next to the bar where animals come to drink the water and a mudbath.

Afternoon: Then, it's time for an exciting afternoon game drive! You'll start with a visit to the chimpanzee sanctuary and then head out to explore the park, which is home to a fantastic variety of wildlife, including white and black rhinos, giraffes, gazelles, elephants, lions, cheetahs, and more.

Ol Pejeta is also known for being the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa and is the precious home of two of the world's last remaining northern white rhinos. It's also the only place in Kenya where you can see chimpanzees, as the sanctuary was established to rehabilitate animals rescued from the illegal wildlife trade.

Spend a full day exploring Ol Pejeta Conservancy with morning and afternoon game drives across its scenic plains. The conservancy is renowned for its Big Five, including large populations of elephants, lions, and buffalo, as well as its strong conservation efforts. You will also have the opportunity to visit the chimpanzee sanctuary and see the last remaining northern white rhinos.

Return for lunch at the lodge within the conservancy, allowing you to enjoy the surroundings before continuing with your afternoon activities. The day offers excellent wildlife viewing and photography opportunities in a well-protected and diverse ecosystem. You will return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & drinking water.

Distance: Morning and Afternoon Gamedrives

Transportation: 4x4 Landcruiser Jeep

After breakfast in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, you will check out and drive to Solio Ranch, a journey of approximately 1.5 hours through scenic countryside. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a game drive in the ranch, which is famed for its rhino conservation and has one of the largest populations of black and white rhinos in Kenya.

You will also have the opportunity to spot other wildlife such as zebras, giraffes, and antelopes while exploring the ranch’s well-maintained private tracks. After the game drive, you can relax at the lodge or enjoy a picnic lunch before departing for your next destination.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & drinking water.

Distance: 40-50km- 1-2hrs

Transportation: 4x4 Landcruiser Jeep

After breakfast at Solio Ranch, you will check out and drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, a journey of approximately 3.5-4.5 hours through scenic highlands. Upon arrival, you will check into your lodge and enjoy lunch.

In the afternoon, you will go on a game drive in the park, famous for its flamingo-filled lake and large populations of rhinos, lions, giraffes, and buffalo. You will also have the chance to explore the park’s diverse landscapes, from acacia woodlands to rocky cliffs. After the game drive, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & drinking water.

Distance: 4-5hrs

Transportation: 4x4 Landcruiser Jeep

Morning: After having breakfast, you will begin your first early-morning game drive. Despite the early start, morning game drives are always worth it as you can spot animals when they are most active. It is home to flamingos, black and white rhinos, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and the endangered Rothschild's giraffes. The southern end of the lake is the best place to see wildlife. The forested area below the Rhinos Cliff is a favorite lion-spotting point where lionesses love to sleep in the trees.

Afternoon: After the game drive, you will exit the park and drive through the Rift Valley floor to the Masai Mara National Reserve. You will stop for lunch on the way to Narok town and then proceed to the Masai Mara. On arrival, you will be picked up by the Masai warriors and escorted to a Maasai Village for a cultural experience, where you can learn more about the community that has co-existed with the Mara wildlife for centuries.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & drinking water.

Distance: 5hrs -6hrs

Transportation: 4x4 Landcruiser Jeep

Spend a full day in the Masai Mara, where the vast savannahs are teeming with wildlife. The Mara is home to the Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino - as well as cheetahs, zebras, and wildebeests. If you’re visiting during the great migration, you might witness the dramatic river crossings. While the idea of an entire day in the park might seem tiring, the thrill of spotting wildlife around every corner makes it exhilarating. The day includes game drives and time to relax at your lodge, ensuring you’re comfortable while experiencing the best of the Mara.

A balloon safari can be arranged for you to truly grasp why the Mara is the world's most famous game reserve

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & drinking water.

Distance: Unlimited Game drive

Transportation: 4x4 Landcruiser Jeep

Wake up to another glorious day in the Masai Mara. Begin your day with an early morning game drive to search for animals when they are at their most active. Then, return to the lodge for a relaxed breakfast and lunch.

Spend the hottest part of the day relaxing in the camp - read your favorite book, write about your safari experience in your journal, or just listen to your favorite music while observing the birds. Don't stress, the animals will be doing the same. In the afternoon, head off for another drive through the park. Return to the lodge for dinner and enjoy another night under the Masai Mara stars.

Alternatively, you can depart early in the morning, carrying your packed lunch boxes for a full-day game drive, returning to the lodge late in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & drinking water.

Distance: Unlimited Game drive

Transportation: 4x4 Landcruiser Jeep

After breakfast, you will depart from the Masai Mara National Reserve and drive to Lake Naivasha. Renowned for its serene beauty and abundant birdlife, Lake Naivasha is a freshwater haven surrounded by lush greenery and acacia woodlands, where hippos can often be seen lazing in the water or grazing along the shore.

You will arrive at your lodge in time for lunch, after which you will have a free afternoon to relax and unwind, preparing for tomorrow’s activities. The tranquil atmosphere and stunning landscapes make this the perfect spot to rest and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & drinking water.

Transportation: 4x4 Landcruiser Jeep

Distance: 4-5hrs

Spend a full day exploring the beautiful Rift Valley lakes, starting with an early morning departure from Lake Naivasha. You will enjoy a relaxing Optional boat ride on Lake Naivasha, spotting hippos, various waterbirds, and perhaps even the elusive fish eagle. Afterwards, you will visit the nearby Crescent Island for an optional walking safari among giraffes, zebras, and antelopes in a peaceful, predator-free environment.

In the afternoon, you will take a short drive to Lake Elementaita, known for its flamingos, pelicans, and other birdlife, as well as scenic views of the surrounding escarpments. Here, you can enjoy a brief game drive or a nature walk, taking in the serene landscapes and wildlife. You will then return to your lodge at Lake Naivasha in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & drinking water.

Transportation: 4x4 Landcruiser Jeep

Distance: 35km

You will begin your day with an early morning start and drive to Amboseli National Park. Upon arrival, check in at your accommodation and enjoy lunch. After lunch, you will proceed on an afternoon game drive in Amboseli National Park.

Amboseli National Park is located south of Nairobi. The park mainly consists of a dry, ancient lake bed and fragile grasslands, interspersed with patches of acacia woodland. In the southern area, you will find several small, rocky volcanic hills. The vegetation around the swamps of Ol Kenya, Ol Tukai, and Enkongo Narok is lush, featuring yellow-barked acacias and phoenix palms.

You will have dinner and spend the night at either a campsite or a lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & drinking water.

Transportation: 4x4 Landcruiser Jeep

Distance: 5-6hrs

At Amboseli National Park, you have two exciting options for exploring the breathtaking wildlife and landscapes.

For the first option, you’ll start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading out into the park with a packed lunch. Spend the entire day uncovering the wonders of Amboseli, from its lush marshlands to its sprawling swamps, as you observe the incredible variety of wildlife. After a full day of adventure, you’ll return to the lodge in the late afternoon to unwind and reflect on your experiences.

The second option begins with an early morning game drive, the perfect time to see animals at their most active. After the drive, return to the lodge to enjoy a relaxing breakfast and lunch. Spend the midday hours in camp, where you can relax with a good book, write in your journal, or watch the vibrant birdlife around you. In the late afternoon, around 4 pm, you’ll head back into the park for another game drive to capture the magic of Amboseli as the day winds down.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & drinking water.

Transportation: 4x4 Landcruiser Jeep

Distance: Unlimited Game drive

After enjoying a leisurely breakfast in the morning, you will check out of your lodge, pack your belongings, and drive back to Nairobi. You have the option to have lunch at the Carnivore or the Tamarind Hotel in Nairobi City. After lunch, you will be dropped off at your respective hotel or the airport, marking the end of your safari.

Depending on the departure time of your homeward flight, please coordinate with your driver to ensure that you arrive at the airport on time so you don’t miss your flight.

P.S. You can choose to continue your holiday with a beach getaway to Diani or Mombasa, accessible by road, train, or flight from Amboseli.